Hochstein puts a block on Sapp

HOUSTON -- Russ Hochstein was not amused. Neither were some of his Patriots teammates.

During an appearance on ESPN's "Pardon The Interruption" Jan. 21, Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp dumped on Hochstein, a former practice squad player with the Buccaneers whom Sapp used to beat in practice.

Yesterday, Sapp, doing interviews for his gig on the NFL Network, decided to confront Hochstein with microphone in hand and a camera behind him.

Before he did it he told his producer, "Hey we gotta go get Hochstein!" While Sapp was trying to be playful, it annoyed the Patriots.

"How did you like me making you the center of attention?" Sapp asked Hochstein.

Hochstein wasn't amused. "No more questions," he responded to Sapp. Tedy Bruschi saw Sapp approach and yelled out to him, "Going after another one our offensive linemen this week?"

Sapp told Bruschi to cool down, that he was familiar with Hochstein from Tampa Bay. Other Patriots watched Sapp as he tiptoed through the media area. None of them were happy.

Hochstein actually played well at left guard in Damien Woody's absence after Woody was placed on injured reserve after the Tennessee game.

Sapp, who has predicted a Carolina win, told `PTI' cohosts Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon that, "I think this defensive line of Carolina will dominate the front five of New England. I don't even think it's a fair matchup. I don't see how they're getting it done because I think Russ Hochstein started for them in the AFC Championship game and I've seen Russ Hochstein block, and he couldn't block either one of you two fellas. Damien Woody was the best lineman they had, but Russ Hochstein, trust me my friend, he couldn't block either of you two."

NICK CAFARDO